At the May plenary of the EU’s European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) the EESC called for a more proactive, dynamic approach, focusing on regional stabilisation and greater social and civil dialogue.

The problems in Turkey were not yet there, putting a shade on the EU’s relationship, with this country which clearly is gliding to a dictatorial state. Also Brussels trying to find ways to ‘bargain’ with Turkey and therefore to afraid to step on Erodgan’s toes today sees more and more people finding their way into Europe by Egypt, and that country not doing much to stop the passers by. Though Europe tries to bring more pressure on the Egyptian authorities to stop the smugglers by using aid and trade ties.

The ENP should be an effective tool for cross-border cooperation. Launched in 2004 to build on common interests and values with the EU’s southern and eastern neighbours and promote political…